Refine your food safety practices with free Food Handlers Course

Western Downs Regional Council is calling all community volunteers and professional workers who provide food to the public, be it at fundraising barbeques, local events and festivals, or restaurants and cafes, to come along to a free ‘Basic’ Food Handlers Course to be held throughout the region commencing from Tuesday 17 March.

“With events like local shows coming up across our region over the next few months, these courses are a great opportunity for community groups and professional food workers to refresh and update their knowledge about correct food handling procedures,” he said.

“Local community groups and not-for-profit and volunteer organisations frequently run food stalls and at community events and festivals, so it’s important that food provided to the public via temporary kitchens is handled correctly.

“Likewise, our region has a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, pubs, grocers, and food vendors that employ staff who regularly handle food, and this course is a good opportunity for them to brush-up on the fundamentals so as to maintain safe food service to their customers.

“Council has previously offered similar courses and these have been really well received by the community. It is just one way that we work with our communities to help ensure safe and correct practices when handling food for the public.”

Council’s Free ‘Basic’ Food Handlers Course will be taking place as follows:

Those interested in attending a Food Handlers Course in their area need to RSVP at least three days prior to the course by contacting Council by: emailing info@wdrc.qld.gov.au; in writing to PO Box 551, Dalby QLD 4405; by phoning 1300 COUNCIL; or online at www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/food-hygiene.

A limit of 25 places are available for each course, and a minimum of 12 attendees are needed to hold a session. A Council Officer will provide confirmation of your place over the phone before your nominated session is held.

Please note that this course is not an accredited Food Safety Supervisors course.